Jammu, Mar 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making changes to laws introduced during the Dogra rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned the party’s claim of upholding the legacy of the region’s former rulers while making significant legal and administrative changes.
“We are being repeatedly charged with insulting the Maharaja. But who actually insulted the Maharaja? You (BJP) changed the map of J&K. You (BJP) altered the state subject law that was enacted by the Maharaja. Pathania Sb (BJP MLA) was practising under the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), a law named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Now tell me, under which law are you (Pathania) practising today?” he asked.
Omar also challenged the BJP’s assertion that the decisions made on August 5, 2019, had ensured equality for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Is this Assembly equal to other Assemblies? Keep your hand on your heart and tell me honestly, are we at par with neighbouring states?” he asked BJP MLAs.
He stated that the Maharaja had introduced state subject laws primarily to safeguard the interests of Jammu’s people from external influence, particularly from Punjab.
Omar further added that if the BJP is advocating for equality, it should also address similar laws in neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh, where strict regulations exist concerning land ownership and employment opportunities. (KNO)
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